Passport Request - Is "Clayheart" still on this forum ?

[Max Power]

Hi all

I got a request for passports from Buffalo. My timeline is:

Application Submitted - Aug 2005
Medicals - Sep 2006
Landing fee etc mailed - Jan 2007
Request for Passports - Yesterday !

We hired Campbell cohen to represent us. Overall, they did an excellent job. My situation is very similar to another forum member - Clayheart. My wife and I are going through the Greencard process here and quite frankly, the canadian visa got approved much sooner than we expected.

But I am very happy with the result. Hang in there folks. Being patient is the only thing we can do !!.

If clayheart (or others in a similar situation) is/are still on this forum - I would love to chat. Maybe an initial email through this forum ?

[clayheart]

Hi, I'm still here, but I rarely check this forum anymore. What do you want to discuss? I'm concerned about JOBS - seems like there aren't that many advertised... how are you planning to approach this?? And where in Canada are you planning to relocate? We are thinking of Vancouver because we'd like better weather than where we are (northern US).

Clayheart

[Max Power]

Yeah - The jobs issue in pretty much on my mind too. My wife and I have been going after this green card thing for a while now and on one hand, I am almost tempted to just move to Canada. Alteast, the immigration system seems more organized.

I really haven't given any thought as to where to land etc etc. I am also doing my MBA part-time here in the US and I would like to finish that up before actually deciding anything. I might just land and come back to the US.......................I don't know......................Its all very very hazy and cloudy !!.

Vancouver does sound good. We are in the northeast too - Boston, to be precise. So better weather would definitely be welcome.

[clayheart]

Max, can you please let me know when you decide to start looking for jobs? We don't know how to find good ones that are in line with our qualifications. The ones that I've seen listed are mostly clerical, etc, and not necessarily the ones that need SKILLED WORKERS, which is ironic, since they're supposedly looking for skilled workers and turning to immigrants.

How far along are you with the US GC processing? We just had our fingerprinting done recently, so it's a race (between US and deadline for Canada landing). We still don't know about Vancouver, but after the sub-zero temps here in Minnesota, we are ready to pack up and move anywhere warmer!!

I know this is a *good* dilemma (US vs Canada), but it's still a dilemma... I'm afraid that whatever we decide, we'll end up regretting. HA!

Did you know that Vancouver is ranked 3rd best place to live in THE WORLD? That's what's tempting us too...

[Max Power]

I found that strange too - The fact that most of the jobs are clerical. I have just been using Monster.com to get an idea of whats out there.

As far as the US GC is concerned - I am waaaaaaaaaaaaay behind you. I have to wait for the dates to become current. My Priority date is May 2006. So its going to be a while - I am applying in the EB2 category and from India - so its a double whammy !!. I guess it could be a lot worse.

I personally have not been to Vancouver - but I keep reading on the web that its a great place.

[Detroiter]

Hey you guys,
 I am in the process of applying for both Canada PR and US GC too. a week ago i got call for medicals from canadian embassy . I have already done finger printing and medicals for US GC. I am estimating that i will get both PR and GC at around the same time.
 Do you know if i can maintain both? is it possible to maintain both and then apply for both ciizenships?
Please let me know

[smvijay]

Detroiter,

The canadian PR has a requirement that you stay atleast 2 of every 5 yrs in canada and for canadian citizenship, you will have to be physically present in canada for 1095 days. i dont think you can meet that just holding onto the canadian PR and staying in US. You will mostly likely lose the canadian PR by not meeting the residency requirements.

[clayheart]

Yes, that's right, you can't be a "permanent resident" in two countries, by definition. You'll have to choose. And it's not as obvious as some may think. My impression is, while the US has more job opportunities (and therefore economically better), Canada seems to offer a better way of life.

It's more complicated with us because we have kids to consider, too.

Clayheart